Statement On Syrian-Iraqi News Conference at The National Press Club

Following is a statement about the news conference by GAFTA at the National Press Club on June 2, 2016:

The National Press Club has been the place “Where News Happens” for more than a century. As such we have hosted newsmakers of all kinds, because we are devoted to free speech and the free exchange of ideas.

We have for decades also allowed private, third parties to book our facility for press conferences and other events with the proviso that we can turn away such business at our discretion.

We are aware that the private event today discussing ISIL will include a SKYPE participant who is a spokesperson for Bashar Al Assad, who is a controversial figure and under U.S. government sanctions. The National Press Club’s answer to such controversial speakers is that we encourage our members and journalists everywhere to rigorously question her along with the other panelists.

Contact: Jeff Ballou, 202-487-0242 or [email protected].

Editor's note: This statement previously identified the ruler of Syria as "Bashir 'بشير' al-Assad." It has been updated to reflect the correct transliteration, "Bashar 'بشار' al-Assad."